Policy

What We Learned from the House Vote to Limit Trump’s Power to Fight Iran

Democrats, and some Trump allies, challenged the White House’s latest interpretation of presidential warmaking powers.

Ideas

To End America’s War in Afghanistan, US Troops Can’t Leave Yet

Walking away out of frustration — especially during peace talks — is as empty a strategy as doubling down out of optimism.

Policy

DOD Is Punishing Whistleblowers More Often and with Impunity, IG Says

Lawmakers and advocates say Trump's attacks on the whistleblower that kicked off his impeachment will do long-lasting harm.

Policy

Here’s what Ukraine’s New Ambassador Is Asking from the US

Yelchenko intends to stress Crimea in meeting with Pompeo, who reportedly said Americans don’t care about Ukraine.

Ideas

Who Gets to Tell the Story of the Afghanistan War?

The Washington Post’s ‘Afghanistan Papers’ is the latest contribution to a growing argument over whether the conflict — or any of the ‘forever wars’ — was worth the cost.

Policy

A Split-Screen Moment For Trump As Impeachment Trial Begins

The president is speaking at an economic forum as the Senate begins to debate whether to remove him from office.

Threats

Eleven US Troops Were Injured in Jan. 8 Iran Missile Strike

The troops were medevaced this week to Germany and Kuwait to be treated for traumatic brain injury after experiencing concussion symptoms.

Policy

The US Navy Needs More Money, Its Top Admiral Bluntly Argues

The sea service is pushing for a fleet of 355 ships in the next decade, and that’s not counting unmanned vessels.

Policy

Meet the House Republicans Who Want to Rein In Trump On War

After the Soleimani strike, a working group of moderate Republicans and Democrats trying to “clarify” Congress’s war responsibilities hope they can build momentum.

Policy

Turkey Will Make F-35 Parts Throughout 2020, Far Longer Than Anticipated

U.S. officials had aimed to get Turkish companies out of the jet’s supply chain by March.

Policy

House Passes War Powers Resolution to Limit War With Iran

The measure is legally toothless, but could still have some political impact.

Policy

Soleimani Strike Splits 2020 Democrats

It also opens up a key weakness for frontrunner Joe Biden.

Policy

Iraqi Lawmakers Ask Government to Expel US Troops

Iraq analysts say the nonbinding vote is important but removal of U.S. troops is far from a done deal.

Ideas

Who’s Next? Trump Crossed a Line with Soleimani’s Assassination

The Iranian was much more than a general. Who else is the U.S. president willing to kill?

Policy

Best of 2019: Politics

A look back at some of the top political stories of the year.

Policy

Why Trump and Biden Can’t Cut Troops in Afghanistan Much More

Even ‘bare minimum’ counterterrorism forces require critical intelligence only U.S. personnel can provide, officials warn.

Policy

Top US General Defends Afghanistan War

CJCS Mark Milley denied that officials “lied” to the American public about the 18-year conflict.

Policy

Democratic Candidates Sound Off on China

Three of the seven 2020 candidates at the debate argued the U.S. needs an international coalition to deal with Beijing.

Ideas

Russia Is Waging Asymmetric Warfare Against the US — And We’re Letting Them Win

We must do more to harden against these attacks on our economy, institutions, and the public.

Policy

Ukraine Would Get New Anti-Ship Missiles Under House Bill

Russia would also get new sanctions under the House version of the defense authorization bill.